More Pilgrims in 2025

Pilegrimsleden is a network of historic routes in Norway leading towards Nidaros Cathedral. Pilgrim centers and accommodations along the routes reported strong visitor numbers in 2025, especially along the most popular routes,  Gudbrandsdalsleden from Oslo to Trondheim, and St. Olavsleden from Selånger in Sweden to Trondheim. 

“There are over 500 accommodation options along Pilegrimsleden,” says Guro Vistad, acting manager of the National Pilgrim Center in Norway.
“These include different types of pilgrim hostels—many on farms—cabins and rooms, campsites, and hotels. Even though pilgrim accommodations are often more affordable than regular hotels, they provide important supplementary income for many locals,” explains Vistad.

Since the Norwegian government began restoring old travel routes in the 1990s to revive the pilgrimage tradition, the interest has increased steadily, and in the last years there have been visitors from almost 40 countries.

Many Europeans have discovered the Norwegian pilgrim paths as a good alternative to the pilgrim routes in southern Europe. This is partly due to recent heatwaves, which have made travelers seek out destinations further north with a more comfortable climate, wanting a "coolcation". 

The interest for pilgrimages has also increast in the Nordic countries. What started as a Christian tradition in the Middle Ages has today become popular among both hikers, culture enthusiasts, and those seeking an “inner journey.” Authentic and eco-friendly experiences are increasingly in demand, with more travelers wanting active and authentic holidays that include local hosts and locally sourced food.

Sustainable Travel

Sustainability is important for modern travellers, and many are glad to discover that here are several low-emission options for reaching Pilegrimsleden. Most of the pilgrim routes start at transport hubs and pass train stations, bus stops or ferry quays along the way, giving many options for travelers to choose from. 

Another factor that makes a pilgrimage a sustainable travel option is that it often lasts for longer than a regular vacation trip. As we know, a long stay is more invironmental friendly than many shorter travels. Some pilgrims walk an entire route—such as the Gudbrandsdalen Path from Oslo to Trondheim—while others choose a section of a route. A popular option is to walk the final 100 kilometers to Trondheim, which qualifies one to receive the Olav Letter.

The number of pilgrims is expected to continue rising in the years ahead. The National Pilgrim Center is noticing a growing interest from international press, and from the general public.

Guro Vistad assures that Pilegrimsleden can handle an increasing number of pilgrims:
“The National Pilgrim Center receive feedback from pilgrims saying they are satisfied with the trail markings and infrastructure, and that they’ve had many memorable encounters with hosts and locals along the way. We’re continuously working to improve infrastructure and recruit new accommodation providers so we can welcome even more visitors in the years ahead,” says Vistad.
“Even though the main season for pilgrimages in Norway is shorter than in southern Europe, there’s no risk of overcrowding. There’s still plenty of space, and we wish for more people to get to experience the beautiful nature, rich cultural history, and hospitality that Pilegrimsleden has to offer,” she emphasizes.

Pilgrims for the National Jubilee

Another reason for the increased focus on pilgrimage in Norway is the upcoming national jubilee. Major expectations are tied to the year of 2030, marking 1,000 years since the death of St. Olav. It is expected that events leading up to and during the jubilee year will boost visitor numbers to Nidaros Cathedral, the burial church of the saint. Many of these visitors will arrive as pilgrims.